EDM treasure trove: 11 songs by @Parralox on “Aeronaut”

PARRALOX, Aeronaut

You’ve already read my recent rave blog post about the New Order-meets-Human League flavoured title song from Australian duo Parralox’s latest Aeronaut (featuring backup vox by the other member of Parralox, singer Johanna Gervin).  And John von Ahlen is one busy guy, with another record called Subculture coming later in the year.  Wearing both 80’s inspiration and today’s technology on his sleeve, John incorporates his original style with far too many elements and sounds of the last three and a half decades or so to identify.  And it makes Aeronaut a pleasure to hear (and dance to!) throughout.  

Right after John’s remix of “Aeronaut” comes “Atmosphere”, which is going to take you back music and sound-wise to the days of Frankie Goes To Hollywood and Trevor Horn indulgences.  It’s got a huge boom to it and could easily mashup with “Relax” or “Two Tribes”!  “Do You Feel What I Feel” happily channels industrial dance of the 80’s reminiscent of Front 242 or Nitzer Ebb, while the lighter “Mystery” is right up Thompson Twins territory.  “Somebody II” (in original ballad or dance remix form) is a perfect companion to Depeche Mode’s own “Somebody”.  And the album closes off with the innovative and progressive instrumental “Zero”, which stands beautifully next to such recent releases as Giorgio Moroder’s “74 Is The New 24” or Pet Shop Boys’ “Axis”.  

So if you long for the halcyon 80’s days or are interested in hearing songs outside of the mainstream but essential for clubs, then Aeronaut is for you!  Well done to John and Parralox, and Subculture will definitely have my attention when it arrives!  Check out the beautifully shot video for “Aeronaut” above (ahhhhh Paris how I miss you!).

Reeemix! @Röyksopp meets @ThePresets for “I Had This Thing”

https://soundcloud.com/user413261292/royksopp-i-had-this-thing-the-presets-remix

ROYKSOPP, “I Had This Thing” (The Presets Remix)

It’s a fine thing indeed when a fun remix makes you revisit the original song.  In this case we have Grammy-nominated Norwegian duo Röyksopp from their album The Inevitable End with “I Had This Thing”, featuring vocal from Jamie from The Irrepressibles.  It’s a haunting, sad song, and like so many wonderful dance records, when the rhythm kicks in, the song really pulls you in.  In the original setting, I picture the singer looking out a rainy window while the rhythm gradually takes over.  In the driving 80s remix from Australia’s The Presets, visualize the singer standing in a sparse discotheque that slowly begins to fill with people as the relentless rhythm continues.  The Presets also adjust the vocal, making it seem a little remote, which actually brings out both the sadness (albeit to me under a bright disco ball) and sensuality.  So a disconnected Depeche Mode feel from The Presets through Röyksopp works beautifully, if you follow me 😉  “I Had This Thing” is soon to be a new favourite, I do think so!

 

Pop hit in the making: “No Words” by @ErikHassle

ERIK HASSLE, “No Words”

In some ways, it’s hard to believe that U.S.-based Swedish singer/songwriter Erik Hassle released his much-praised EP Somebody’s Party just shy of a year ago.  And even despite lots of touring (most recently with Broods), it’s too bad that more attention wasn’t given to it in the busy summer months that followed.  Erik returns with a lighter, more upbeat approach (albeit with a sad undertone) with “No Words”, and it’s a real ear-grabber and toe-tapper in the best of ways.  The song scores where the diverse singer hadn’t really gone before – pure soulful pop with an entertaining video (I think Erik may be paying some kitchen visits in the future 😉 ) that could fit into any Top 40 playlist alongside Nick Jonas and Pharrell Williams.  That’s not at all to say that this was consciously written for radio, it certainly doesn’t seem like it, but the melody and production both seem to work in favour of it!  So now’s the time to give Erik Hassle some due and pick up “No Words” on iTunes.

Carpe Diem: “What It’s All About” by @SmashSatellites

SMASHING SATELLITES, “What It’s All About”

After the much heavier and deeper songs from the ‘A Side’ to their Sonic Aluzion record, I wasn’t really prepared for the anthemic “What It’s All About” from rising Toronto rock band Smashing Satellites.  I don’t think this was intended but it fits: “What It’s All About” may be the first ‘graduation’ song for 2015.  The great, sincere vibe of the song totally fits the moment for young people moving to the next level in their lives, and Salvatore Costa’s urgent vocal brings that across with vitality.  You can get “What It’s All About” (listen above) on iTunes as a free download when you pre-order Sonic Aluzion, which will be a 12 song album that includes the entire ‘A Side’ EP (such as “Waterfall”, currently #4 on my personal chart).  Smashing Satellites is one band whose growing fan base is making their time happen quickly, so now’s a great time to jump aboard 🙂

Star Power: Alberta’s Jason Purcell (@jvpurcell) with “Modern Man” and covers of @lanadelrey and Gordon Lightfoot songs

https://soundcloud.com/nineninetymusic/modern-man

JASON PURCELL, “Modern Man”, with “West Coast” and “If You Could Read My Mind”

Alberta singer/songwriter Jason Purcell has got that unassailable ‘IT’, and I hope that the rest of the world will soon catch on!  

From his recent EP I Want To Know comes “Modern Man”, which showcases a voice that falls somewhere between Nick Drake, Joshua Radin, and Jakob Dylan, with classic overtones from 60’s pop/folk and 80’s alternative pop, if ever a Peter Murphy song met up with one by Simon & Garfunkel.  Jason’s taut “do not be alarmed” will stick around in your head long after the song is over.  

And like a good pop introduction should do (and I found out about Jason through the Fluence site on which I help curate some submissions), I had to hear more songs by Jason, so I listened to a few of many acoustic cover versions to choose from on You Tube.  When I saw that he covered my very favourite Gordon Lightfoot song, “If You Could Read My Mind”, I had to watch, even a tad reluctantly.  Slowing down Lightfoot’s jauntier melody, Jason draws you into every second of his rendition with his deliberate phrasing and how he plays to the camera.  Like one of my other recent favourite singers, UK’s James Poole, the camera absolutely adores Jason.  

This was made even more apparent in the more formally produced cover of Lana Del Rey’s “West Coast”.  I’m not in love with the song, but Jason’s interpretation gave me goosebumps.  Like with Lana, he has a vulnerable, fragile quality to his voice that totally suits the song.  Plus, he can raise an eyebrow, crack a smile, or stare you down, and you are totally sold.  

All in all, Jason Purcell is one you need to watch, and I look forward to new music from him soon!  Listen to “Modern Man” above, and watch the videos for “West Coast” and “If You Could Read My Mind” below.

Zorro Blakk (@zblakk) is back with “Imagine The Future” and a remarkable video

ZORRO BLAKK, “Imagine The Future”

Following up last year’s album full of electropop delights, The Fairy Tale Of Zorro Blakk, the talented singer/songwriter brings us yet another confection, “Imagine The Future”, from the forthcoming album The Golden Years.  The song serves as a fine introduction to what’s to come – gentle and melodic europop that sketches out an interesting story.  Even better, an evocative tale is brought to life by tying in a remarkable, fascinating, and absorbing video by Brent Bonacorso.  For many years I’ve always considered videos to be mere marketing tools, but every now and again one like this one comes along that it is so enthralling, and “Imagine The Future” is one of the best I’ve seen in recent years.  I’m not going to give anything away – and have a few tissues handy – it will not take you to the point that a clip from “The Wizard Of Oz” is revealed to realize where the video may lead you.  It transforms “Imagine The Future” into a story of adventure, love, loss, solitude, fear, and ultimately contentment.  I can’t wait to hear more new Zorro Blakk songs from The Golden Years, and will keep you all posted 🙂

Dance music bliss pairs @DJMirkoB with @AntonEwald for “Higher”

DJ MIRKO B featuring ANTON EWALD, “Higher”

Well this fortunate pairing came somewhat out of the blue, but works like a dream.  Italian producer DJ Mirko B features Sweden’s current golden boy Anton Ewald on “Higher”.  The song has already made significant dents in the European dance market, and by all rights North America shouldn’t be far behind (though the song doesn’t appear to be available in Canada yet).  It’s high arpeggio-laden progressive Italo-disco that will easily have dance club patrons jumping.  But the song is more accessible than that – it will have you immediately recalling recent releases by the likes of Nervo, Nicky Romero, or even Calvin Harris.  “Higher” deserves to be a smash – well done to both fine talents for putting it together.  Watch the lyric video above.

BILLCS Top 30 #454 – April 6, 2015

There’s no shortage of influx of new songs on the chart – in this edition there are five debuts.  Some songs are sliding down the chart a little faster than usual to make room for strong songs out to cut their chart teeth 🙂

The Top 10

  • After 4 appearances and 8 weeks, Brandyn Burnette’s “Sleeve” gives way (slipping to #3) to Years & Years’ “King”, which advances 6 to 1.  The UK trio is probably the first quarter’s ‘one to watch’… looking for North American radio play to kick in soon for “King”!

  • I’m looking forward to seeing Canadian band Smashing Satellites return to home turf on Tuesday April 7.  In the meantime, their latest “Waterfall” climbs 7-4!

  • Right behind, as “Pieces” slips out of the Top 10, there is always room for more Jessie Ware, who herself performed another Toronto show last night.  “Champagne Kisses” rises 9-5.

  • The fastest riser on the chart is one of the most affecting new pop songs around with an infectious hip hop vibe.  I’m talking about “Chasing Stars” by Canadians Corey Niles and Alex Lacasse, which soars up the chart 15-6.

  • UK singer/producer Shift K3Y moves up 8-7 with “I Know”.  Watch the video for his new single “Name & Number” (also above) as well!

  • Honorary Torontonian Daniel Robinson lands in the Top 10 with his pleasing slice of electropop “Moonmolt”, up 11-9.

  • The last new entry into the Top 10 belongs to “Hurricane”, the latest single by Lifehouse, rising 12-10.

Movin’ On Up

  • Eric Saade’s latest single has some great lyrics that get in your face all the right ways.  The fun “Sting” moves 17-12.

  • I’m glad Sam Smith’s In The Lonely Hour has had such long legs because in its numerous single releases they saved one of its best songs for the latest release.  “Lay Me Down” climbs 20-15.  And you can get it in #1 UK duet flavour with John Legend too!

  • More Years & Years?  Why not 🙂 From their self-titled EP and forthcoming album Communion, the house-inflected “Desire” rises 24-16.

  • I wrote about some fine recent cover versions of “Earned It” by fellow Torontonian The Weeknd recently.  The actual hit from “50 Shades Of Grey” jumps 21-18.

  • “No Talk” is one of the most interesting, different records round as performed by Toronto’s River Tiber, having been sampled in Drake’s “No Tellin”‘.  It has a hypnotic effect, is a real grower, and is going to be a contender in the coming weeks.  “No Talk” moves up 27-19.

Those 5 Debuts

This is a chart for looking back at a couple of performers who I wrote about late last year.

  • I wrote about “Hold Back The River” by UK singer/songwriter James Bay back in October.  I wasn’t sure if James’ catchy blend of folk and rock would catch on, but then came Hozier’s success and all of a sudden critical kudos started coming forward for James.  Then recently, the song landed at #2 in the UK.  “Hold Back The River” debuts at #23 from James’ debut album Chaos & The Calm.

  • Just as “Jealous” was breaking loose at Top 40 radio, and on the eve of the release of his self-titled album in November, I wrote about Nick Jonas’ songs “Teacher” and “Avalanche”.  I didn’t end up writing about “Chains” at the time of its video release, since the record company shelved it and went with “Jealous”.  I’m so glad they returned to “Chains”, and it arrives on my chart at #24.  Nick joins brother Joe and his old band the Jonas Brothers with his first chart entry!

  • It’s been a while since Canadian R&B queen Jully Black graced this chart, though she’s never been out of the public eye with her many TV and in-person appearances.  Her latest single “Fever” is a unique slice of R&B pop that should by all rights be a huge radio hit in Canada.  It bows on the chart at #25.  Jully has announced a Toronto concert, on May 5 at the Phoenix Concert Theatre!

  • Steve Grand’s All-American Boy album arrived at the end of March after a Kickstarter project that raised over $327,000, and my favourite new song from the album has arrived on my chart.  “We Are The Night” debuts at #26.

  • The last new entry is the best song from the EP Birds by Bad W0lfy and Simon Curtis, aka Wrathschild!  “Cosmonaut” joins the pair’s many other songs to grace my chart, and it premieres at #27.

The Full Chart

Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and detailed web edition of my chart.  Go on, have a look and listen/watch 🙂

Listen for My New Music Pick Of The Week on D-Moos.com!

Every week I feature a New Music Pick of the Week on D-Moos, which is usually either on my chart or may soon be!  Listen in amid the great variety of older music as I bring cutting edge new music to the rotation of over 20,000+ songs!!

Instant cover version from @iamChrisJamison: “Want To Want Me”

CHRIS JAMISON, “Want To Want Me”

I’m quickly coming to the conclusion that Pittsburgh’s Chris Jamison, who finished third in Season 7 of “The Voice”, has one of the best new voices around, and just needs the right original song to click that will send him into the charts.  Of course his first original, “Velvet”, is currently #2 on my personal chart and reached #53 on the Billboard Hot 100.  “Want To Want Me” is a great immediate cover choice.  Whereas Jason Derulo’s out-of-the-box-smash original (below) highlight’s that singer’s vocal range that was recently lost on fun stuff like “Talk Dirty” and “Wiggle” but what impressed us all six years ago with his debut songs like “Whatcha Say” and “In My Head”.  Chris smooths the song out to the aural equivalent of buttery silk.  He also easily matches Jason’s vocal range.   My only critique is about the video for “Want To Want Me”, which I feel  is poorly shot and, sorry, it’s not befitting of the singer’s talents.  “Want To Want Me” is a great song to showcase Chris and should be a lead up to whatever fine original songs he decides to record – I for one am looking forward to them 🙂

“Earned It” cover choices: @Simmsofficial and @CodyKarey

SIMMS, “Earned It”

CODY KAREY with MAJESTY, “Earned It”

There are so many viral versions out there and The Weeknd’s “Earned It” (currently #21 on my personal chart) is attracting countless interpreters.  Two solid ones have come my way recently and they’re both well done and different enough to warrant your attention.  You have to keep in mind that this is one tough song!!

British singer Simms (about whom I’ve written previously as Jake Sims) tackles his rendition from a pop/UK soul standpoint and his vocal is strong throughout.  He also goes for a more emotional rendition.  Occasionally I think the vocal is somewhat over-the-top, but overall it hits the marks and should garner him some new fans.

Canadian singer (and current Master Chef competitor!) Cody Karey goes more for a sultry crooner rendition in his video for the song, in collaboration with pop producers Majesty.  It downplays the emotion which detracts somewhat from the sexual desperation of the song.  His rendition is still quite a low key and sexy one nonetheless and highlights the versatility in his voice.

Be sure when listening/watching to keep an open mind – I know The Weeknd has rabid fans who may not care for these covers, but both singers have made fine and challenging choices in presenting “Earned It”. 🙂